Opinion
D-3 September Term 2021 086246
12-02-2021
In the MATTER OF Stephanie A. HAND, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 041231999)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 21-015, recommending that as a matter of final discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-13(c)(2), Stephanie A. Hand of Livingston, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2000 and who has been suspended from the practice of law since July 6, 2017, pursuant to Orders of the Court filed July 6, 2017, and October 31, 2018, be disbarred, respondent having been convicted in Superior Court of second-degree conspiracy and theft by deception, which the Disciplinary Review Board concluded was conduct in violation of RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation), and the principles of In re Wilson, 81 N.J. 451, 409 A.2d 1153 (1979), and In re Hollendonner, 102 N.J. 21, 504 A.2d 1174 (1985) ;
And Stephanie A. Hand having been ordered to show cause why she should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having determined based on the totality of the circumstances presented in the matter that disbarment is the appropriate quantum of discipline; And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Stephanie A. Hand be disbarred, effective immediately, and that her name be stricken from the roll of attorneys;
ORDERED that Stephanie A. Hand be and hereby is permanently restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further
ORDERED that Stephanie A. Hand comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with disbarred attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that all funds maintained by Stephanie A. Hand pursuant to Rule 1:21-6 shall be transferred by the financial institutions holding said funds to the Clerk of the Superior Court, who was directed to deposit the funds into the Superior Court Trust Fund, where they shall remain restrained from disbursement pending the further Order of this Court; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.